On Nov. 7, our fellow Robinson Knights made a splash at the 2A state championships in Ocala. This year’s achievement is especially remarkable — for the first time ever, the team representing Robinson at states was an all-girls team.
“Having an all girls team headed to states is very exciting because it really shows how strong our team has come,” Avery Graham (’27) said. “We lost a lot of good seniors last year which caused worry and doubt throughout our teams as to if we could make states, but being here knowing that we did it is very exciting for us.”
Their all-female lineup reflects more than just individual talent, it highlights the team’s cohesion. Facing challenges together, these swimmers have taken on the responsibility of filling key leadership roles, reflecting the strength and unity that define’s this year’s group.
The road to this achievement, however, was anything but easy. From early morning practices to day-long swim meets, the team has shown utmost dedication and work tirelessly all season. An average practice week looks like about 12 hours swimming each accompanied by three to four hours of “dry land” or gym/weightlifting. During post season and pre-states practices has been lighter on the athletes to ensure their body is rested for the big meet.
Their success can be measured through team achievements such as winning the county championships (for the fourth consecutive time), and also through their personal achievements such as qualifying for states.
Some may perceive swimming as an individual sport, with each athlete competing in their own events, but Robinson swimmers know their strength and drive comes from endless support from each other.
“We are able to support each other because we all understand the amount of work that goes into swim, there is definitely a strong sense of community formed when jumping in a cold pool before the sun rises,” girls swim co-captain Lily Polender (’26) said.
This sense of support, has become the backbone of the swim team and is the driving factor behind the team’s ability to achieve success like this.
At states, the all-female team showed up and gave it their all. The group was led by junior captain Avery Graham in the 200 Individual Medley. Sophomore Alissa Morris will swim the 500 Freestyle, while Elizabeth Savage (’26) and Lily Polender (’26) join both of them to compete in the 200 Freestyle Relay.
Although they’re unable to move on past states and the seniors won’t be there to have this experience next year, this group is already determined to continue the momentum and the close bond they’ve built from pre-season to postseason. With new freshman joining, Robinson swim hopes to live up to their past accomplishment and continue to make history with the tight-knit community they’ve built.
